Southern-Style Baby Back Ribs

recipe by oscar smith
photos by billy law

Southern-Style Baby Back Ribs

recipe by oscar smith
photos by billy law

Serves 4

Ingredients:
  • 3 lb. 5 oz. pork baby back ribs, cut into racks of 4 ribs each
Dry rub:
  • 2 tbsp. sea salt flakes
  • 1½ tbsp. sweet paprika
  • 2 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. celery salt
  • 1 tsp. chili flakes
Barbecue sauce:
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp. soft brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. sweet paprika
  • ½ tsp. smoked paprika
  • ½ c. tomato ketchup
  • ¼ c. cider vinegar
  • ¼ c. pure maple syrup


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Instructions:
  1. Preheat a hooded barbecue grill to low heat.
  2. To make the dry rub, combine the ingredients in a small bowl. Coat the ribs in the dry rub, then wrap in foil. Place 2–3 racks in each foil package for easy handling. Place the foil packs onto the grill and cover. Cook for 2 hours, turning every 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, to make the barbecue sauce, combine the ingredients in a small saucepan with 1 cup water. Cook over low heat for 20–25 minutes until thick. Reserve half the sauce for serving.
  4. Remove the foil packages from the grill. Increase the heat to medium and lightly grease with oil. Carefully unwrap the ribs and discard the foil. Brush the ribs all over with the remaining barbecue sauce and return to the grill. Cook, basting and turning regularly, for 30 minutes, until the ribs are browned and sticky, caramelized and charred.
  5. Pile the ribs onto a serving platter and serve with the reserved barbecue sauce.
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